Post # 1
Member
80 posts
Worker bee
My wedding is taking place at the beginning of August. The ceremony and reception will be on my parents property in large tents. We live and are getting married in New England so we planned on having the tents air conditioned because, well if you’re from New England you know what August here is like(HUMID!). Since we’re not have me a “venue” in the traditional sense, we’re relying on a lot of outside vendors and contractors for EVERYTHING. The place we are renting the tents from said it will be about $10,000 to air condition the 2 tents we’re having. We contacted a different company not related to the tent company and they quoted us about $8000. My parents are paying and have basically said “Nope, not happening. That’s way too much”. My fiancé and I don’t exactly just have $8,000- $10,000 lying around either. So financially, it’s not an option
Would it be terrible to have a wedding in tents…in August…in New England…not air conditioned? What’s been other brides/ wedding guest experiences at weddings like this? We’re not reconsidering the venue or time of year so that’s not an option either.
Post # 2
Member
578 posts
Busy bee
I like to think I’m a pretty laid back wedding guest… that being said I would not enjoy a tent wedding outside in the summer. Would I still attend if I was invited? Yeah probably but my makeup would melt off my face, my husband would have huge pit stains… it wouldn’t be a good time.
You said you aren’t willing to reconsider location and you aren’t going to pay for the AC though so it is what it is I guess 🤷🏼♀️
Post # 3
Member
9961 posts
Buzzing Beekeeper
No thank you.
But I’m in Texas so a summer tent wedding sounds like torture to me. But truthfully I don’t understand the point of your post. You won’t change the venue, time of year or get air conditioner so are you just wanting us to tell you it will be fine? I don’t think it will be, to be honest. I think your guests won’t appreciate it either.
Post # 4
Member
80 posts
Worker bee
slomotion : I was hoping to hear how other weddings similar to this went. Or even suggestions from other people who have gone through it and found creative solutions.
Im not sure why everyone on here just assumes everyone is looking for validation.
Post # 5
Member
3063 posts
Sugar bee
Since you have already stated that you won’t reconsider the venue or time of year, why are you asking if guests would feel uncomfortable under these conditions?
Post # 6
Member
4133 posts
Honey bee
My BFF got married in New England in July and it was 104 that day. It was the hottest day of the summer. No AC at all. It was absolutely miserable. People left supper early because it was too hot to breathe, let alone dance or drink. It’s been almost 10 years since her wedding and it is still the ONLY thing that anyone talks about related to her wedding. So think aout that – no party, people miserable and leaving early, and the only memory of the day is HOT.
But you sound like you aren’t changing your mind no matter what we say. It’s a BAD idea.
Post # 7
Member
80 posts
Worker bee
claroquesi : well not EVERYONE hates the heat. Not every single person will leave early because of it. I’m trying to see if any other people have been in similar situations and found ways to help. Our planner suggested the obvious like ice cold water, fans, leaving tent doors open for circulations, but we’re open to other creative solutions as well!
Post # 8
Member
2380 posts
Buzzing bee
“Would it be terrible?” YES! It is going to be terrible.
I would move the wedding indoors or move it forward into late September. Do you really want your guests to be literally miserable at what is supposed to be one of the best days of your life? Not to mention, this could truly be a health hazard for any elderly, small children, people with health conditions. You gotta be smart here. This is just a bad bad idea.
Post # 9
Member
578 posts
Busy bee
lindzrae : there really aren’t creative solutions lol. Cold water isn’t a solution as you should be offering guests water regardless of the temperature. You can’t magically cool a tent outdoors without paying for the AC. Sure you can get fans… to blow the hot air around. You’re right that not ALL your guests will leave early, but a large majority probably will.
Post # 10
Member
578 posts
Busy bee
Glasgowbound : 104?!? Good Lord NO
Post # 11
Member
80 posts
Worker bee
KittyYogi : we can only do August due to my Fiance’s Job. It’s the only time of year he’s allowed to take time off. And not everyone can fit in my parents house, so it has to be outside. We thought about allowing guests in our home to cool off but we were advised by our insurance company not to allow anyone in.
Post # 12
Member
3063 posts
Sugar bee
lindzrae : I live in the Caribbean. It goes from warm and humid in the “Fall” and “Winter”, to hot and humid during the “Spring” and “Summer”. We are used to hot and humid, believe me. In spite of that, no one here would hold a wedding under the conditions you’ve described, during the summer.
Post # 13
Member
80 posts
Worker bee
djbeats : I meant hand fans or the planner even suggested providing these little motorized fans you plug into your smart phone that are pretty quiet and cheap. She said she’s done that before. I have a hard time believing the “quiet” part though when there’s 150 going at the same time during a ceremony.
Post # 14
Member
2380 posts
Buzzing bee
lindzrae : well, either shorten the guest list so everyone can fit in the house, or find a different venue with AC. My question wasn’t rhetorical, it was serious. Do you want your guests to be miserable at your wedding and possibly exposed to health risks? If not, you need to change your plan somehow. Be smart.
Post # 15
Member
1836 posts
Buzzing bee
I saw you post this elsewhere and you got the same responses. There is no magic solution here. I’m not trying to be snarky, but there just isnt’.
You are right, not everyone hates the heat. But those that love it and are out enjoying it are wearing shorts and tee shirts, not suites and dresses and heels.
It is unfortunate that your FH can only get time off in August and I get that. But if you plan an outdoor event in August with no AC it doesn’t matter how deeply rooted the family tradition of getting married there is, it is just poor logistics.
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